Katsina State

Roundabout in Katsina City

Katsina State is a state in the North West Nigeria region of the country. Katsina State was split out of Kaduna State in 1987.

Cities

• 1 Chiranci
• 2 Daura
• 3 Funtua
• 4 Katsina
• 5 Mai'Adua — it has a very large historical urban and rural market operating on Sundays
• 6 Malumfashi

Understand

Katsina State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria. During the 2006 population census, Katsina State recorded over 5.8 million population count ranking it as the 5th most populated state in Nigeria.

Nicknamed the "Home of Hospitality", the city of Katsina and the town of Daura have been described "ancient seats of Islamic culture and learning" in Nigeria.

The Hausa-Fulani are the largest ethnic group, and the state's population is predominantly Muslim.

The state is from the tropical grassland known as savannah to the north and the state has two major seasons which are the rainy season and dry season.

Get in

By plane

• Katsina Airport (LOS ^IATA). You can fly in from most states in the country such as Lagos State, Ondo State, Benin City, Port Harcourt and others  

Getting in by plane is the fastest way to get into Katsina State as traveling by plane is one of the fastest modes of travel

By bus

There are several bus transportation services that travel from all over the state to Katsina state like God is Good Motors and some other transportation services that ply the route.

Get around

There are buses, motorcycles (bikes), and cabs to take you around in Katsina State, all you have to do is select the one that suits your journey.

Do

Do ensure you visit the Emir of Katsina and Emir of Daura's palace, it is such a tourist attraction center for tourists to Katsina State.

• Attend Gani Festival. The Gani is an annual cultural festival celebrated in the ancient city of Daura. The Festival derived its name from the Hausa word ‘Gani’ which means “meeting”. The festival took a new form with the introduction of Islam in Daura. It is now the Islamic festival of Eid-el Maulud to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). During the occasion, a colorful durbar is led by the Emir amidst drumming, singing, dancing, acrobatic displays, and comedy. A display of horsemanship, costumes, attires, and historical artifacts is put on display at the festival. Gani is celebrated every 12th of Rabiul Awwal of the Islamic calendar. (updated Jun 2021)
• Kalankuwa. Kalankuwa is a post-harvest youth festival that started in 1935 and was performed in celebration of the successful completion of the cropping season. The celebration is also to celebrate the coming of "Kaka" - a time of prosperity, abundant food, increased economic and social activities. An important activity that takes place during this festival is a kind of drama. In this drama, the youth imitate the Hausa traditional form of authority, which highlights the role of Sarki (King) as the political head of the community and the custodian of the people’s culture. Other activities like the Kalankuwa traditional wrestling, boxing, singing and dancing also take place. Kalankuwa takes place annually in villages like Shinkafi, Dankanjiba, Dutsen Safe, Rimin Guza, etc. (updated Jun 2021)

Buy

• Katsina city market, Ring Rd. A city market to buy things you need. 
• Sufi market, Central Market. Another market to buy things you need 
• Kasuwar Yan Gwari (Vegetables Market). A special market for vegetables in Katsina State. 
• Yarkutungu Market. A market in Katsina State 

Eat

There is some food that is specifically particular to Katsina people. Some include:

• Tuwo Masara: The word "Tuwo" in Hausa refers to any of the staple traditional Hausa foods. The word "Masara" in Hausa means corn. Tuwo Masara is usually made from corn, sometimes rice or millet flour.
• Miyan Karkashi: "Miyan" is the word for soup in Hausa language and "Karkashi" is a vegetable that is dried then ground into powder. A pinch of potash "Kanwa" is added to the powdered form of Karkashi and the mixture is whisked. This is done to increase the viscosity of the soup. The soup can then be taken with a swallow, e.g Tuwo Masara.

Restaurants are not as many as you would find in Southern Nigeria especially modern restaurants that serve intercontinental dishes. It would be hard to find restaurants that serve intercontinental cuisines as the dishes are not really eaten by locals that reside there.

Drink

• Kunun Gyada also known as "Groundnut milk": is made from raw groundnuts and rice into a light porridge. It is similar to akamu also called pap or ogi, which is consumed in the southwestern region of the country.
• Kunu also known as "kununzaki": is another popular and indigenous drink. It is made from grain such as millet or sorghum, although some people use maize as well. The drink vary in colour depending on the ingredient used. When made from sorghum, it is a milky light-brown colour; and when ti is made from millet and maize, it is whitish in colour.
• Fura Da Nono: Fura da nono is considered a drink by some while for some, its a snack. The word 'Nono' in Hausa means "cow’s milk" and is sold by the Fulani women but many people prefer to use plain yogurt instead. Fura is millet dough balls. To make Fura da Nono, the Fura is mixed with Nono and sugar to taste. This is a drink mostly preferred when served cold however it can ve enjoyed otherwise. Fura is the most important food in Daura. The people of Daura drink flowers at all times, in the morning or during the day or at night. Most people drink Fura at lunchtime but most are drunk at night after dinner. Fulani women can be seen in every street selling Fura da Nono in Daura. Fura is also available in modern stores.
• Zobo: This is made from dried Roselle plant flowers. The flower plants are boiled with water, ginger and pineapple fruit and a bright red drink is made. Others might add garlic, flavouring or other ingredients varying on a person's preference. It is best enjoyed when cold.

Stay safe

Katsina has been one of the Nigerian states hit hardest by terrorism. In 2020, over 300 children were kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko Haram in the town of Kankara.

Muslims are subject to Sharia law in Katsina State.

Go next

• Jigawa State
• Kano State
• Kaduna State
• Zamfara State